Therapeutic Riding

In Therapeutic Riding the aim is to teach basic riding skills and horsecare, gradually decreasing the level of assistance required; riding is taught but there is also a focus on the specific need of the rider.

Man has been using the horse for work and pleasure from ancient times.

There is a very unique relationship between man and horse. There is an old saying that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of man.

Horse riding is a real rehabilitation of both the mind and the body. Physically it helps to improve balance, coordination, muscle control and posture. In addition, motor planning (getting on and off the horse), decision making, communication, and social skills are all improved in an enjoyable environment.

The rhythm of the horse as it walks provides a multisensory input to the rider which is hard to replicate through other activities.

Some individuals who display challenging behaviour and also some of those on the autistic spectrum find that the horse gives a non judgemental response to their actions which calms encouraging relaxation and thus learning.

Horse related activities such as grooming, leading and learning how to care for the horse can help to develop self esteem and confidence.

Most of all being with horses is fun and a place where riders can learn new skills, often through games working as a team or individually, for example learning a dressage test. There are always certificates to work towards and endeavour awards to encourage progress.

All the sessions are lead by trained coaches who attend regular updates and assessment of their skills through training sessions with other RDA groups in the area. They are supported by the team allocated to each horse or pony; usually a leader and sidewalkers as required. The classes usually have a maximum of 4 or 5 riders.

Want to Ride?

For Therapeutic Riding or Vaulting;

Complete and return application form with medical section completed and signed by a medical person who knows the applicant. Please note that until the application form is completed and returned you will not be added to the waiting list.

Read the information attached to the application form carefully.

Wait for a taster session.

Get in touch if need help (see Contact Us)

Rider Information

For Theraputic Riding riders must be a minimum of 5 years of age, and both adults and children can apply.

There is a weight limit of 12 and a half stones (80.64 kg). This is for the welfare of our horses

Starting to Ride

The Pony or Horse

The pony or horseis specifically selected for the rider according to their height and weight. The rider will be introduced to the pony and helped to mount. Some riders mount the pony from a raised platform or occasionally from a mounting block; whichever method is used the rider will have support from the coach and helpers.

Hippotherapy

Sadly we are no longer able to offer this service as our trained Physiotherapist has retired and therefore is no longer registered with the Health Professional Council. However, she will remain as a RDA coach working with riders requiring more individual attention.

Waiting List

We do have a waiting list of riders and the availability of a suitable pony may determine priority. We have a Retired Physiotherapist who carries out assessments on all new riders. She will identify what support or special equipment may be required to assist with the ride.

Ultimately, the aim is to achieve maximum independence for each rider.

Vaulting

Equi-Power have finished holding sessions at Shiresmill and are now located nearer Stirling. If you wish to find out more about vaulting, we are happy to help put you in touch with Equi-Power.

Education Through Horses

RDA isn't only about riding a horse, it is also a platform for learning in an engaging, supportive, rewarding and fun environment.

Increasingly RDA activities are being recognised for their educational benefit as curriculum-based subjects can very easily be incorporated into the sessions. The end result can simply be life changing! Numeracy and increased vocabulary can be included easily whilst tacking up the pony, laying out the arena or making up the feeds for the next day.

At Shiresmill we offer;

Grade Certificates for horse riding

Grade Certificates for horse care.

Endeavour Awards

Endurance Awards

ASDAN

An annual sponsored challenge ride

The Tracker System which monitors change in 5 key areas over a short period of time.

Session Times 2018Session Times of our Classes

Day/ Time

Date

Number of Sessions

Monday Evening

6.30pm – 8.15pm

20th August- 1st October

2

Tuesday Morning

10.30am – 12.45pm

21st August- 2nd October

**No classes 9th- 16th October**

23rd October- 27th November

3

Wednesday Morning

10am – 1.30pm

29th August- 3rd October

**No classes 10th-17th October **

24th October- 14th November

3-4

Thursday Morning

10.30am – 12.30pm

23rd August- 4th October

**No classes 11th-18th October**

25th October-29th November

2

Thursday Evening

6.15pm - 7.45pm

19th April- 20th September

2

Friday Morning

10.15am – 1pm

31st August- 5th October

**No classes 12th- 19th October **

26th October- 16th November

Individual sessions

Saturday Morning

10.30am – 12.30pm

25th August- 6th October

**No classes 13th-20th October**

27th October- 24th November

3

Sunday

-

-

Please note: Sessions will start back after the summer holidays (see table above). All classes will stop over the Autumn Holidays (8th October- 21st October) during which taster sessions will be held. Monday evening classes will finish 1st October and Thursday evening classes will finish 20th September. There are no breaks scheduled on Bank or Public Holidays.